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GUIDELINES AND
REQUIREMENTS
A Candidate Guidebook
PTCB Credentials
Pharmacy technicians who want to work more effectively with pharmacists to offer better patient care and service take the
Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) to earn the PTCB CPhT national certification. PTCB CPhTs who perform sterile
compounding take the Compounded Sterile Preparation Technician CertificationTM (CSPT) Examination and complete the CSPTTM
Competency Attestation Form to earn the CSPTTM credential. Benefits of PTCB certifications may include an increase of job
promotion opportunities, recognition within the pharmacy profession and an increased focus on patient safety. Pharmacists
recognize that PTCB Certified technicians demonstrate their qualifications and the knowledge necessary to function as a
pharmacy technician through the examination.
PTCB's website receives and stores certain types of information whenever you interact with us. We may collect and log your IP
address and your browser information to determine how to facilitate services online and on our website. We may collect
information on pages visited, frequency of visits, and length of time spent to make improvements that will enhance your
experience with us. We also use "cookies" and store passwords to facilitate your user experience. Cookies are small files that
your web browser places on your computer's hard drive. You can easily adjust your browser settings to prevent cookie data
from being stored on your computer; however certain website functions may not operate if you do so. We do not allow third
parties to use cookies on the website.
PTCB may release a certification candidate's or certificant's examination score information to the individual's sponsoring
employer and/or educational institution provider, upon receipt of a valid, signed, written or electronic authorization from the
individual, and consistent with policy requirements. PTCB shall release certification specific information through our verification
process. This process is available to any person seeking to verify the certification status of a PTCB certified pharmacy technician.
Certification specific information includes first and last name, certification number, certification status, credential name, city,
state and certification expiration date.
Name and address information may be made available for limited, one-time use by organizations seeking to contact you with
information about products, programs, or services relevant to the professional or educational needs of pharmacy technicians.
Requests for such use of your contact information are reviewed to ensure that the information that is to be provided is
consistent with the professional nature of PTCB and the professional and educational needs of the pharmacy community. You
may specify that your contact information not be used for the purposes enumerated in this paragraph by sending an email with
the subject "no informational mailings" to contact@ptcb.org or call (800) 363-8012.
PTCB may disclose personally identifiable information in special cases if we find it necessary to identify, contact, or bring legal
action against someone who may be violating PTCB policies or causing injury to or interference with PTCB programs, its users, or
anyone else that could be harmed by such activities. PTCB may also disclose personally identifiable information as is required or
appropriate in order to comply with the law. PTCB will not use any personal information outside of the purposes listed above
Additional Information
Requests for additional information, questions, comments, or disputes about this Privacy Policy or other privacy related issues
may be directed to contact@ptcb.org. If you do not wish to receive emails from PTCB, you may opt out at any time.
Code of Conduct
PTCB is dedicated to providing and implementing appropriate standards designed to serve pharmacy technicians, employers,
pharmacists, and patients. First and foremost, PTCB certificants and candidates give priority to the health interests and
protection of the public, and act in a manner that promotes integrity and reflects positively on the work of pharmacy
technicians, consistent with appropriate ethical and legal standards.
As pharmacy technicians, and under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist, PTCB certificants and candidates have the
obligation to: maintain high standards of integrity and conduct; accept responsibility for their actions; continually seek to
improve their performance in the workplace; practice with fairness and honesty; and, encourage others to act in an ethical
manner consistent with the standards and responsibilities set forth below. Pharmacy technicians assist pharmacists in
Exam Challenges
The primary mechanism for candidates to challenge the accuracy of exam content on any PTCB Certification exam is to
comment within the exam itself. Candidates can comment on any item during the exam. PTCB and subject-matter experts
review all candidate comments prior to the release of official scores. In extremely rare circumstances, the review of candidate
comments may result in candidates receiving an official exam result that differs from the preliminary result provided at the end
of the exam. Candidates who wish to challenge the accuracy of exam content after the exam is completed (i.e., did not
comment within the exam), must submit their challenge according to the Certification Appeals Procedures within 30 days
following the administration of the exam.
• Possess a high school diploma or equivalent educational diploma (e.g., GED or foreign diploma)*
• Full disclosure of all criminal and State Board of Pharmacy registration or licensure actions
• Compliance with all applicable PTCB Certification Policies
• Passing score on the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE)
*Applicants who are within 60 days of acquiring their high school diploma or equivalent will be eligible to apply for PTCB CPhT
Certification. For more information, see CPhT Education Verification.
ACSPTTM candidates who are within 60 days of completing a PTCB-recognized sterile compounding program are eligible to apply for
CSPTTM Certification. CSPTTM Certification will not be granted until proof of program completion is provided to PTCB.
B Work
experience must be within the last eight years. Part-time employment and roles that include, but are not fully devoted, to sterile
compounding qualify.
PTCB accepts applications for certification year-round on a continual basis. Applicants apply for certification online using PTCB’s
website. Online applications require payment by credit card or ACH/eCheck payment.
First-time candidates must register for a PTCB Account to apply. Candidates who previously applied should log into their PTCB
Account to submit a new application.
A paper application is only available to those with a disability or hardship that precludes using the online application. Requests
to use the paper application must be submitted in writing to PTCB, and include appropriate documentation of the disability or
hardship.
As part of the application, candidates agree to be bound by PTCB Policies and Procedures as explained in the Certification
Guidelines and Requirements and must declare whether they meet the eligibility requirements for PTCB Certifications.
A candidate may be disqualified for PTCB Certifications upon the disclosure or discovery of:
• Criminal conduct involving the candidate.
• State Board of Pharmacy registration or licensure action involving the candidate.
• Violation of a PTCB Certification policy, including but not limited to the Code of Conduct.
PTCB reserves the right to investigate criminal background, verify candidate eligibility and deny certification to any individual. It
is the responsibility of the PTCB certificant to report any felony conviction, drug or pharmacy-related violations, or State Board
of Pharmacy action taken against their license or registration at the occurrence and at the time of recertification, to PTCB for
review. Disqualification determinations are made on a case-by-case basis.
Special Accommodations
The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA). To ensure
equal opportunities for all qualified persons, PTCB will make reasonable testing accommodations for certification candidates
when appropriate, and consistent with such legal requirements. PTCB will consider requests for special testing accommodations
related to any PTCB Certification exams from certification candidates with a documented disability that substantially limits the
candidate’s sensory, manual, speaking, or other functional skills, including a disability that impairs significantly the candidate’s
ability to arrive at, read, or otherwise complete, the examination. These accommodations can include additional time to
complete the exam or use of approved auxiliary aids.
PTCB requires that each candidate requesting a special testing accommodation do so during the application process. Candidates
must download the Special Accommodations Form and are required to submit the completed form within 30 days of submitting
a certification application. Candidates can submit the completed form using the PTCB Help Center. A physician or other qualified
professional who has made an individualized assessment related to the candidate’s disability must provide the required
information concerning the disability and the requested accommodation. A qualified professional is a licensed or otherwise
properly credentialed individual who possesses expertise in the disability for which an accommodation is sought. The
information and any documentation that a candidate provides regarding his/her disability and the need for accommodation(s)
will be treated as confidential.
Candidates that have been approved for special accommodations within the last 12 months, do not need to resubmit
documentation unless their diagnosis or accommodation request has changed.
Candidates with approved testing accommodations must call Pearson VUE at (800) 466-0450 to schedule an exam
appointment. Candidates who schedule appointments through any other means (e.g. online, via a different number) will not
have their accommodations available for the appointment.
PTCB will not review supporting documentation prior to receiving a submitted application. After 30 days, candidates with
incomplete applications will receive a refund of any examination fees paid, less an administrative fee of $25.
Sponsored Candidates
Sponsored candidates are candidates whose fees are being paid by their employer or educational institution. Currently, PTCB
offers four sponsorship types:
• Vouchers
• Self-identification
• IP Address Identification
• Pre-approval
Candidates whose fees are being paid by their employer or educational institution should contact their sponsor representative
for specific instructions. Learn how an employer or educational institution can become a sponsor. Please note, in some cases, a
sponsor must approve a candidate’s sponsorship before an application will be reviewed by PTCB for authorization.
Authorization to Schedule
Once an application is approved, candidates will receive an authorization to schedule via email from PTCB. The authorization
period for candidates is 90 days. The authorization period for sponsored candidates may differ, as determined by the sponsor. If
the authorization period expires before a candidate takes the exam, the candidate will forfeit all fees and must reapply to take
the exam (See Withdrawing an Application).
Other Changes
Candidates can update their mailing address, email address, and phone number within their PTCB Account.
Withdrawing an Application
Candidates who are unable to test within their 90-day authorization period, or simply wish to withdraw, may do so within their
PTCB Account. Candidates with scheduled exam appointments must first cancel the appointment with Pearson VUE (See
Changing an Exam Appointment). Candidates must withdraw an application on or before the last day of the authorization period
to be eligible for a refund. Candidates who successfully withdraw will receive a refund of any examination fees paid, less an
administrative fee. Refunds are issued in the original form of payment within approximately 2-3 weeks.
Certification Fees
CPhT CERTIFICATION CSPTTM Certification
Application & Exam Fee: $129 Application Fee (non-refundable): $50*
Exam Registration Fee: $149
MISCELLANEOUS
Administrative Fee**: $25
Optional Certificate Printed on Fine Paper: $15
Missed Appointments
Candidates who fail to appear for a scheduled exam appointment will forfeit all fees. Candidates may submit a withdrawal
request if an emergency occurs on the day of the exam appointment that prevents a candidate from taking the test. For more
information on what PTCB considers an emergency, please see the Emergency Withdrawals section.
Emergency Withdrawals
Candidates may submit an emergency withdrawal request if an emergency occurs on the day of the exam appointment.
Examples of what PTCB considers an emergency include a serious illness, injury or unexpected hospitalization, a death in the
immediate family, a serious accident, or a court appearance. Candidates must submit an Emergency Withdrawal Request Form
along with official documentation of the emergency (e.g., hospital documents, police report, obituary). Emergency withdrawal
requests must be received by PTCB no later than 48 hours after the last day of the candidate’s authorization period. If approved,
a full refund of any examination fees paid will be issued in the original form of payment within approximately 2-3 weeks.
Exceptions
If a candidate presents an expired driver’s license AND a receipt for renewal but has not yet received the license, they will be
permitted to test if the renewal receipt has not expired. If the renewal receipt is expired, the candidate will not be permitted to
test. Temporary licenses are acceptable with all required elements (contains a photo or accompanied by the expired license).
Pearson VUE test center staff will match the name on your ID to the name in their system (your name as it appears within your
PTCB Account). The name on your ID must match exactly, with a few exceptions:
• A hyphen is used on one document but not on another. (Disregard the hyphen). Example: Sarah Johnson Wells OR
Sarah Wells are both acceptable matches for Sarah Johnson-Wells.
• Sara Johnson and Sara Myers are individually acceptable as the same person when compared to Sara Johnson-
Myers, Sara Johnson Myers, Sara Myers-Johnson, and Sara Myers Johnson because one of the names, either the
registration or the ID, has both last names.
• Sara Johnson is not acceptable as Sara Myers without an original marriage certificate, divorce decree, or other legal
documentation of a name change since neither name contains both the candidate’s current and former last name.
• Sara Johnson Myers is acceptable for Sara Johnson without an original marriage certificate, divorce decree, or
other legal documentation of a name change. If the candidate’s maiden and last names are on their ID, it is
acceptable regardless of the order in which they appear.
• Names with initials and reversed names are acceptable:
o J Smith and John Smith are acceptable discrepancies
o Smith J and J Smith are acceptable discrepancies
o John Smith and Smith John are acceptable discrepancies
o Smith J and John Smith are acceptable discrepancies, as are J Smith and John Smith
Retake Policy
Candidates must apply and pay for each PTCB Certification exam attempt. Candidates who fail a PTCB certification exam must
wait 60 days from the most recent attempt to apply for the second and third attempts, and 6 months for attempts thereafter.
After four attempts, candidates must provide completion evidence of acceptable preparation activities to PTCB for review and
approval before applying for additional attempts. Preparation activities completed prior to the most recent attempt will not be
considered. Acceptable preparation activities for the PTCE include any of the following:
• Six months or more of tutoring by a pharmacist or PTCB CPhT (PTCE Preparation Attestation Form Required)
For CPhT Candidates Only
• Completion of a formal review course or non-accredited training program
• Completion of an ASHP/ACPE-accredited training program
• Graduation from a pharmacy technician associate degree (A.S.) program
For the CSPT Exam, a CSPTTM Competency Attestation Form (completed after the most recent CSPTTM Exam attempt) by a
TM
Confidentiality of Scores
Please refer to PTCB’s Privacy Policy. PTCB reserves the right to verify to any individual or organization whether an individual is
currently certified or not.
Approved Activities
PTCB has determined that all CE providers accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) satisfy the
requirement of pertaining to pharmacy technician-specific and sterile compounding subject matter. Other CE programs will be
accepted if PTCB determines that they pertain to pharmacy technician-specific and/or sterile compounding subject matter.
Certificants should carefully review the criteria for acceptable CE. Certificants who are unsure about whether PTCB will accept a
CE activity should refer to the Recertification Policy.
Returned Applications
Applications that are incomplete, contain errors, do not meet policy requirements, provide inadequate CE information (e.g., do
not include the full name of the course and provider), or are accompanied by an incorrect payment amount will be returned for
correction. Returned renewal application notifications will be sent via email and the certificant will have 30 days, or until the
expiration date (whichever is longer), to submit corrections and the $10 reprocessing fee to PTCB. PTCB will not accept CEs
completed after the certification expiration date, during this return period.
MISCELLANEOUS
Recertification Late Application Processing Fee**: $25
Reprocessing Fee***: $10
Administrative Fee*****: $25
Optional Certificate Printed on Fine Paper: $15
Failure to Reinstate
Former certificant holders who do not reinstate must apply and meet the current eligibility requirements for obtaining PTCB
Certification. No special permission is required to retest unless a former CPhT has reached the retake limit.
GENERAL
1. Nature of the Process. This Policy is the only process for the review and resolution of PTCB conduct charges and
complaints. PTCB is the only authority to decide any conduct inquiry or case related to the PTCB Code of Conduct,
regardless of the circumstances. These Procedures are not formal legal proceedings, so many legal rules and practices
are not observed. PTCB will review the relevant information presented when considering conduct investigations, cases,
and decisions. The Case Procedures are intended to be used without the assistance of attorneys. A party may choose to
be represented by an attorney during a conduct matter or case, but the party will be responsible for all related
attorney fees. A party’s attorney will be directed to communicate with PTCB only through PTCB Legal Counsel. Parties
are encouraged to communicate directly with PTCB.
2. Participants. Conduct cases may be decided by the Executive Director or other designated PTCB representative
(Resolution Officer), the Conduct Review Committee, and/or the Conduct Appeals Committee. A certificant or
candidate who is the subject of a conduct charge or investigation is identified as the Respondent in this Policy. The
person initiating a conduct complaint is identified as the Complainant.
3. Complainants/Conduct Charge Statement. An individual, group, or, in certain situations, PTCB, may initiate a conduct
review matter and act as a Complainant. To begin a conduct review matter, a Complainant should complete a Conduct
Charge Statement form, which is available on the PTCB Internet site located at www.PTCB.org or by contacting PTCB,
and submit the completed Charge Statement to the Executive Director or other designated PTCB Representative. The
Conduct Charge Statement must include a detailed written description of the factual information supporting the
conduct charge(s).
4. Time Requirements. Complainants and Respondents must comply with all time requirements specified in this Policy.
Time extensions or postponements may be granted by PTCB in appropriate circumstances at PTCB’s sole discretion.
PTCB will make every effort to follow the time requirements set forth in this Policy. However, PTCB’s failure to meet a
time requirement will not prevent the final resolution of a conduct review matter.
5. Litigation/Other Proceedings. PTCB may accept and resolve conduct cases when civil or criminal litigation, or other
proceedings related to the complaint, have been or are currently before a court, regulatory agency, or professional
body. PTCB may continue or delay conduct cases in these circumstances.
6. Complaints Concerning Non-Certificants and Non-Applicants. If PTCB receives a conduct inquiry or Conduct Charge
Statement concerning an individual who is not certified by PTCB, or who is not a candidate for PTCB certification, PTCB
will inform the complaining party that the individual is not a PTCB certificant or candidate, and PTCB may refer the
matter to an appropriate authority or organization.
7. Improper Disclosure/False or Misleading Responses. A failure to provide or disclose information, or a misleading
disclosure by a certificant or candidate regarding a conduct matter or case, may be a violation of this Policy, and the
MEDIATION
1. Cases Appropriate for Mediation. The Executive Director or other designated PTCB Representative will receive all
Conduct Charge Statements and complaint communications, in order to determine whether the matter could be
resolved fairly without a formal conduct review. The PTCB Representative will consider: the seriousness of the
allegations; the Respondent’s background; the Respondent’s prior conduct; and any other relevant information or
material. Conduct complaints concerning charges issued by a regulatory agency or professional body, and those
involving criminal charges or civil litigation, are not appropriate for mediation.
2. Mediation Determination. If the PTCB Representative determines that a conduct matter is appropriate for mediation,
and the Complainant and Respondent agree to mediation, all parties will make a reasonable and good faith effort to
resolve the dispute to a fair, just, and voluntary conclusion.
3. Successful Mediation. If a conduct matter is resolved informally by mediation, the PTCB Representative will prepare a
report summarizing the terms of each mediated resolution of the conduct matter. A copy of the report will be
forwarded to the parties.
4. Unsuccessful Mediation. If a conduct matter is not resolved by mediation, the PTCB Representative will refer the case
to the Conduct Review Committee for resolution consistent with this Policy.
DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS
1. Disciplinary Actions Available. When a Respondent has been found to have violated the Code of Conduct, the
Resolution Officer or the Conduct Review Committee may issue and order one or more of the following disciplinary and
remedial actions concerning the violation(s): (a) a recommendation to the Executive Director or Certification Council
that the candidate be ineligible for certification, or that a certificant be ineligible for recertification; (b) a requirement
that the Respondent take corrective action(s), or fulfill appropriate conditions; (c) a private reprimand and censure of
the Respondent; (d) a public reprimand and censure of the Respondent; (e) certification probation for any period of up
to three (3) years, which may include conditions related to the Respondent’s conduct; (f) suspension of the
Respondent’s certification for a period of not less than six (6) months and not more than three (3) years, which will
include the requirements that the Respondent return to PTCB all original or copied credential materials for the
suspension period, and immediately stop any professional identification or affiliation with PTCB during the suspension
period; and, (g) revocation of the Respondent’s certification, which will include the requirements that the Respondent
return to PTCB all original or copied credential materials, and immediately stop all identification or affiliation with
PTCB.
2. Referral and Notification Action. The Executive Director or other designated PTCB Representative may notify
appropriate government agencies or professional organizations of any final disciplinary action(s) taken concerning a
Respondent by sending a copy of the final Decision and Order. The PTCB Representative may send this Decision
notification after the time period for the Respondent to appeal an adverse decision has ended. During an appeal
period, the PTCB Representative may respond to inquiries concerning conduct cases, and may indicate the existence of
a complaint.
3. Publication of Disciplinary Action. Following the closure of a conduct case, the Executive Director or other designated
PTCB Representative may publish or release a final Conduct Case Decision and Order. Any party or interested individual
may request the publication of a final Decision, consistent with this Policy. The Executive Director or other PTCB
Representative may grant or deny such requests, and these decisions cannot be appealed.
GENERAL PROVISIONS
1. Nature of the Process. All challenges and appeals regarding actions of the PTCB Certification Program are governed
exclusively by these Procedures. This appeal process is the only way to resolve all Certification Program application,
eligibility, examination, and other certification and recertification challenges or complaints. These Procedures are not
formal legal proceedings, and are designed to operate without the assistance of attorneys. While an individual may choose
to be represented by an attorney, certificants/candidates are encouraged to communicate directly with the PTCB
Certification Program. Certificants/candidates using the services of an attorney are responsible for all attorney-related fees.
A party’s attorney will be directed to communicate with PTCB only through PTCB Legal Counsel.
2. Authorized PTCB Representatives. The Executive Director, Associate Executive Director, Certification Council Appeals
Committee (Appeals Committee), Certification Council, or any other PTCB representative authorized by this Policy may be
involved in actions and decisions regarding appeal matters.
3. Time Requirements. PTCB will make every effort to follow the time requirements described in these Procedures.
However, a failure by PTCB to meet a time requirement will not prohibit the handling or final resolution of any appeal
matter. Certificants/candidates are required to comply with all time requirements specified in this Policy. Time extensions
or postponements may be granted by PTCB in appropriate circumstances at PTCB’s sole discretion.
4. Litigation/Other Proceedings. PTCB may accept and resolve an appeal matter arising under these Procedures when
civil or criminal litigation, or other proceedings related to the matter have been or are currently before a court, regulatory
agency, or professional body. PTCB may continue or delay an appeal matter in these circumstances.
5. Confidentiality. In order to protect the privacy of the parties involved in appeal matters, all material prepared by or
submitted to PTCB will be confidential. Disclosure of material is permitted only when specifically authorized by PTCB policy,
the Certification Council, the Appeals Committee, the Executive Director, the Associate Executive Director, or other
authorized PTCB representative. Among other information, PTCB will not consider the following materials as confidential:
(a) published certification and eligibility criteria; (b)records and materials which are disclosed as the result of a valid legal
requirement or a controlling PTCB policy; (c) certification or application information that a certificant/candidate has
requested be made available to a specific person or other organization; and, (d) all final published Decisions and Orders of
the Certification Council, the Appeals Committee, the Executive Director, Associate Executive Director, or other authorized
PTCB representative.
TIME PERIOD FOR SUBMITTING FINAL APPEAL REQUEST/ CONTENT OF FINAL APPEAL
1. Time Period for Submitting Final Appeal Request. Within thirty (30) days of the date of an adverse Appeals Committee
Decision, a certificant/candidate may submit a written final appeal request to the Certification Council Chair. An appeal
received beyond this date will not be reviewed or considered by the Board of Governors.
2. Contents of Final Appeal Request. In order for a final appeal request to be considered by the Certification Council
Chair, the request must be consistent with all Policy requirements, and must include the following information: (a) the
name of the certificant/candidate submitting the appeal request; (b) a detailed explanation of the reasons and basis for
the requested appeal, as required by Policy Section I; (c) all objections, corrections, and factual information that the
certificant/candidate believes to be relevant to the appeal; and, (d) accurate copies of all relevant documents and
other materials submitted in support of the appeal.
1.4* Strengths/dose, dosage forms, physical appearance, routes of administration, and duration of drug therapy
1.5 Common and severe side or adverse effects, allergies, and therapeutic contraindications associated with medications
1.6 Dosage and indication of legend, OTC medications, herbal and dietary supplements
2.0 Pharmacy Law and Regulations 12.50%
2.1 Storage, handling, and disposal of hazardous substances and wastes (e.g., MSDS)
2.2 Hazardous substances exposure, prevention and treatment (e.g., eyewash, spill kit, MSDS)
2.3 Controlled substance transfer regulations (DEA)
2.4 Controlled substance documentation requirements for receiving, ordering, returning, loss/theft, destruction (DEA)
2.6 Record keeping, documentation, and record retention (e.g., length of time prescriptions are maintained on file)
2.7 Restricted drug programs and related prescription-processing requirements (e.g., thalidomide, isotretinoin, clozapine
2.8 Professional standards related to data integrity, security, and confidentiality (e.g., HIPAA, backing up and archiving)
5.2 Infection control procedures and documentation (e.g., personal protective equipment [PPE], needle recapping)
5.3 Risk management guidelines and regulations (e.g., error prevention strategies)
Communication channels necessary to ensure appropriate follow-up and problem resolution (e.g., product recalls,
5.4
shortages)
5.5 Productivity, efficiency, and customer satisfaction measures
6.0 Medication Order Entry and Fill Process 17.50%
6.1* Order entry process
6.2* Intake, interpretation, and data entry
6.3* Calculate doses required
Fill process (e.g., select appropriate product, apply special handling requirements, measure, and prepare product for final
6.4
check)
6.5 Labeling requirements (e.g., auxiliary and warning labels, expiration date, patient specific information)
6.6* Packaging requirements (e.g., type of bags, syringes, glass, pvc, child resistant, light resistant)
6.7 Dispensing process (e.g., validation, documentation and distribution)
7.0 Pharmacy Inventory Management 8.75%
7.1 Function and application of NDC, lot numbers and expiration dates
7.2 Formulary or approved/preferred product list
7.3* Ordering and receiving processes (e.g., maintain par levels, rotate stock)
7.4 Storage requirements (e.g., refrigeration, freezer, warmer)
7.5 Removal (e.g., recalls, returns, outdates, reverse distribution)
8.0 Pharmacy Billing and Reimbursement 8.75%
8.1 Reimbursement policies and plans (e.g., HMOs, PPO, CMS, private plans)
8.2* Third party resolution (e.g., prior authorization, rejected claims, plan limitations)
8.3 Third-party reimbursement systems (e.g., PBM, medication assistance programs, coupons, and self-pay)
8.4 Healthcare reimbursement systems (e.g., home health, long-term care, home infusion)
8.5 Coordination of benefits
9.0 Pharmacy Information System Usage and Application 10.00%
Pharmacy-related computer applications for documenting the dispensing of prescriptions or medication orders (e.g.,
9.1
maintaining the electronic medical record, patient adherence, risk factors, alcohol drug use, drug allergies, side effects)
Databases, pharmacy computer applications, and documentation management (e.g., user access, drug database, interface,
9.2
inventory report, usage reports, override reports, diversion reports)
*denotes content including calculations.
Generic names, brand names, indications, side effects, and therapeutic classifications of medications used in sterile
1.1
compounding
Types of high-alert/narrow therapeutic index (NTI) medications used in sterile compounding (e.g., insulin, heparin,
1.2
concentrated electrolytes, chemotherapy)
1.3 Dosage (e.g., strength, dosage forms) and administration (e.g., routes, instructions) of compounded sterile preparations (CSPs)
Drug-specific factors affecting stability of compounded sterile preparations (CSPs; e.g., containers, light, concentration, closure,
1.4
temperature, agitation)
Type, purpose, and use of technical and clinical references for sterile compounding (e.g., package inserts, Safety Data Sheets
1.5
[SDSs])
Factors (e.g., temperature, microbial limits of sterility, storage time, complexity of preparation, location of preparation) that
1.6
influence the assignment of beyond-use dates (BUD) for compounded sterile preparations (CSPs)
Physical and chemical compatibility criteria for components (e.g., medications, ingredients, base solutions, filters, tubing,
1.7
closures)
Types and uses of primary engineering controls (PECs; e.g., laminar airflow workbenches [LAFW] and systems [LAFS], biological
2.1
safety cabinets [BSC], compounding aseptic isolators [CAI], compounding aseptic containment isolators [CACI])
Types of secondary engineering controls (SECs; e.g., anteroom, buffer area, segregated compounding areas [SCAs],
2.2
containment segregated compounding areas [C-SCAs])
Features of secondary engineering controls (SECs; e.g., air pressure differentials, HEPA filtration, ISO classification, air changes
2.3
per hour [ACPH])
2.4 Temperature, pressure, and humidity parameters and/or tolerances for facilities and controlled environments
2.5 Procedures and requirements for conducting different types of environmental monitoring
Action levels and parameters for assessing environmental monitoring results (e.g., surface sampling, viable air sampling, non-
2.6
viable air sampling)
Operational standards (e.g., food and drink restrictions, facility access) for maintaining the safety and sterility of sterile
2.8
compounding environments
Types, purpose, and procedures for conducting required personnel training and competency assessments (e.g., gloved fingertip
3.1
sampling, media fill) and the minimum frequency with which they must occur
Equations and calculations used to prepare compounded sterile preparations (CSPs; e.g., infusion times, percent solutions,
3.2
dilutions, alligations, dispensing quantities, days supply, ratios and proportions, quantities, doses, concentrations, conversions)
3.3 Personal health and hygiene requirements for sterile compounding (e.g., no active respiratory infections, rashes, weeping
Procedures for donning, doffing, and disposal of garb and personal protective equipment (PPE) for non-hazardous and/or
3.6
hazardous drugs
3.7 Properties and usage indications for deactivating, decontaminating, cleaning, and disinfecting agents
Procedures and requirements for cleaning and disinfecting compounding equipment, primary engineering controls (PECs), and
3.8
secondary engineering controls (SECs) for non-hazardous compounded sterile preparations (CSPs)
Procedures and requirements for deactivating, decontaminating, cleaning, and disinfecting compounding equipment, primary
3.9
engineering controls (PECs), and secondary engineering controls (SECs) for hazardous compounded sterile preparations (CSPs)
Principles of aseptic manipulation and procedures for operating within horizontal and vertical air flow equipment (e.g., first air,
3.10
zone of turbulence)
3.11 Types of and requirements for cleaning and disinfecting critical sites of components (e.g., vials, ampules, ports)
Documentation and record-keeping requirements for sterile compounding (e.g., master formulation record, compounding
3.13
record)
3.14 Procedures to accurately weigh and measure components; principles of volumetric and gravimetric accuracy
Procedures for preparing specialized compounded sterile preparations (CSPs; e.g., epidurals, intrathecals, cassettes,
3.16
ophthalmics, irrigations)
Procedures for compounding hazardous drugs (e.g., negative pressure technique, using closed system drug-transfer devices
3.17
[CSTDs])
Procedures for compounding sterile preparations from non-sterile components (e.g., presterilization, terminal sterilization,
3.18
filtration, aseptic preparation)
3.19 Potential signs of defective compounded sterile preparations (CSPs; e.g., discoloration, particulates, leaks, turbidity)
3.20 Conditions under which sterility, potency, and endotoxin testing are required
3.21 Procedures for interpreting results of sterility, potency, and endotoxin testing
Handling, labeling, packaging, storage, and disposal requirements for non-hazardous medications, components, sharps, and
4.1
finished compounded sterile preparations (CSPs)
Handling, labeling, packaging, storage, and disposal requirements for hazardous medications, components, sharps, and finished
4.2
compounded sterile preparations (CSPs)
Types of and requirements for supplies used in packaging and repackaging (e.g., bags, syringes, glass, PVC, latex-free, DEHP-
4.3
free)
E F
enalaprilat injection famotidine injection
enoxaparin sodium injection fat emulsion intravenous
ephedrine sulfate injection fentanyl citrate injection
epinephrine injection filgrastim injection
epoetin alfa recombinant (erythropoietin) injection fluconazole injection
epoprostenol sodium injection fludarabine phosphate injection
eptifibatide injection flumazenil injection
ertapenem sodium injection fluorouracil injection
estradiol cypionate injection fluphenazine injection
etoposide injection folic acid injection
fomepizole injection
fondaparinux sodium injection
foscarnet sodium injection
fosphenytoin sodium injection
furosemide injection
I K
ibuprofen injection ketamine HCl injection
ifosfamide injection ketorolac tromethamine injection
imipenem/cilastatin sodium injection
infliximab injection
insulin aspart
insulin degludec
insulin degludec and aspart
insulin detemir
insulin glargine
insulin glulisine
insulin isophane (NPH)
insulin isophane (NPH) and regular
insulin lispro
insulin regular
interferon alfa-2b
interferon alfa-n3
iohexol injection
irinotecan injection (HCl and liposomal)
iron dextran injection
isoniazid injection
isoproterenol HCl injection
L M
labetalol HCl injection magnesium sulfate injection
leucovorin calcium injection mannitol injection
leuprolide acetate injection medroxyprogesterone acetate injection
levofloxacin injection meperidine HCl injection
levothyroxine sodium injection meropenem injection
lidocaine HCl injection methadone HCl injection
lidocaine HCl/epinephrine injection methotrexate injection
lorazepam injection methyldopate HCl injection
N O
nafcillin sodium injection octreotide acetate injection
naloxone HCl injection ondansetron HCl injection
natalizumab injection oxacillin sodium injection
neostigmine methylsulfate injection oxaliplatin injection
nitroglycerin injection oxytocin injection
nitroprusside sodium injection
norepinephrine bitartrate injection
P Q
paclitaxel injection (conventional and protein-bound) quinupristin/dalfopristin injection
pancuronium bromide injection
pantoprazole sodium injection
pegaspargase injection
peginterferon alfa-2a
peginterferon alfa-2b
penicillin G benzathine
penicillin G potassium
penicillin G procaine
pentobarbital sodium injection
pentostatin injection
phenobarbital sodium injection
phenylephrine HCl injection
phenytoin sodium injection
phytonadione (vitamin K) injection
piperacillin sodium/tazobactam sodium injection
potassium acetate injection
potassium chloride injection
potassium phosphate injection
procainamide HCl injection
prochlorperazine edisylate injection
R S
ranitidine injection scopolamine (hyoscine) hydrobromide injection
reteplase recombinant injection sodium acetate injection
rifampin injection sodium chloride injection
risperidone injection sodium ferric gluconate complex injection
rituximab injection sodium lactate injection
rocuronium bromide injection sodium nitrate/sodium thiosulfate injection
sodium phosphate injection
succinylcholine chloride injection
sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim injection
T V
tacrolimus injection valproate sodium injection
tenecteplase recombinant injection vancomycin HCl injection
testosterone injection vasopressin injection
theophylline injection vecuronium bromide injection
tobramycin injection verapamil HCl injection
trace elements combinations injection verapamil HCl injection
tranexamic acid injection vinblastine sulfate injection
trastuzumab injection vincristine sulfate injection (and liposome)
tuberculin purified protein derivative injection vinorelbine tartrate injection
voriconazole injection
W Z
zinc sulfate injection zinc sulfate injection
ziprasidone mesylate injection ziprasidone mesylate injection
Italicized drugs are included on ISMP’s List of High-Alert Medications in Acute Care, Community and Ambulatory Healthcare, and Long-
Term Care (LTC) Settings.
Statement of Purposes.
PTCB certification programs support the ongoing professional development of PTCB certificants and maintain the integrity
of the PTCB certifications. Among other purposes, each certification program is intended to: require reasonable and
appropriate continuing educational and professional activities; enhance the ongoing professional development and
competence of certificants; encourage and recognize individualized learning opportunities; and, provide a standardized,
objective, and straightforward process for attaining and recording professional development activities. All certificants must
complete the recertification process to maintain an active certification status.
Recertification Cycle.
The CPhT credential remains active for a period of approximately two (2) years, subject to applicable PTCB policy
requirements. To maintain certification, CPhTs must complete the recertification process every two years. The
recertification cycle will begin on the date that certification or recertification is granted to a certificant. For administrative
convenience, PTCB may assign a limited number of dates as expiration dates. At the end of the recertification cycle, the
certification will expire unless it is renewed.
Reinstatement Requirements.
Expired certificants are eligible to reinstate within one (1) year following the certification expiration date. Reinstatement
candidates must complete all the application requirements presented for recertification candidates unless otherwise
specified in this section.
1. Application Fee. Certificants requesting reinstatement must pay all fees related to reinstatement by the end of the
one-year reinstatement period. Reinstatement fees will be determined by PTCB, and are subject to change. The current
Reinstatement Application fee can be found on our website www.ptcb.org or by contacting PTCB at (800) 363-8012.
Additional fees may apply for reprocessing of applications returned for correction, returned checks, or refunds due to
overpayment.
2. CPhT Continuing Education (CE) Requirements. CE requirements for reinstatement are explained in section E. Credit